Luke 6:24

Woe unto you. The contrast of blessing and woe seems to have been a characteristic Jewish literary device, and originated, probably, with the blessings and the curses of Deuteronomy (chs. 27 and 28). Compare also Christ’s woes upon the scribes and the Pharisees (see Matt. 23).

Rich. Jesus’ low estimate of the material things of life (see on Matt. 5:3) alienated the affections of the class of society that considered wealth and prestige to be the main objectives of life (see Matt. 6:1-6; etc.), though the Saviour sought to bring salvation to all classes of society, rich as well as poor. In fact, comparatively few of the wealthy class became Jesus’ friends, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea being notable exceptions. Jesus was concerned with leading men to lay up treasure in heaven rather than on earth (see Matt. 6:33, 34; Luke 12:13-33), in order that their hearts might be the more closely attached to heaven. In too many cases riches proved to be, to their possessors, an insuperable barrier to heaven (see Mark 10:23, 25; Luke 18:24, 25).

Received. Gr. apecho. As illustrated by the papyri this term may indicate, in a context such as this, payment in full.

Consolation. Gr. paraklesis, here meaning solace or cheer that comes from a happy state of things (see on Matt. 5:4).